From the many actors who have brought Batman to the big screen over the decades, Michael Keaton remains one of pop culture’s favorite stars to have played the DC icon in live-action. In 2023, Keaton’s Dark Knight made his return in The Flash, with his film series crossing over with the DCEU movie timeline.
Keaton was recently honored at the Harvard University Hasty Pudding Theatricals, after being honored as 2026’s Man of the Year, and people who attended were given a huge DC treat. During the event, the 74-year-old actor suited up as Batman once more. Check out the video below:
Keaton’s Batman movie in 1989, as well as the sequel, Batman Returns, came through Tim Burton, before the franchise took a shift to be more kid-friendly. When the actor was brought back for The Flash, it was initially set to lead into a new era for his take on the DC icon.
The Flash, prior to the launch of the DC Universe’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” by James Gunn, was planned to retool the DCEU to the point where Keaton would be the franchise’s Batman going forward. The superhero veteran reprised the role in the Batgirl film, which would have taken place after the Barry Allen-centric film.
However, Keaton’s performance in Batgirl would never be seen as Warner Bros. Discovery, even after the project had finished filming, famously axed the film in favor of writing it off for a tax break. In an interview with GQ in 2024, he said the following about the DC entry being cancelled:
Michael Keaton: No, I didn’t care one way or another. Big, fun, nice check. I like those boys. They’re nice guys. [about Batgirl directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah] I pull for them. I want them to succeed, and I think they felt very badly, and that made me feel bad. Me? I’m good.
Currently, DC Studios is working on two major Batman properties, with Matt Reeves’ franchise under the Elseworlds banner, as well as the solo film for Gunn’s DCU, The Brave and The Bold. Reeves’ The Batman – Part II starts production this year, with Robert Pattinson reprising the role.
Michael Keaton’s Batman and Batman Returns, along with The Flash movie, are all available through streaming and home media release.
Birthdate
September 5, 1951
Birthplace
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, USA
Height
5 feet 9 inches
Notable Projects
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Spider-Man: Homecoming
Professions
Actor, Producer, Director
Discover the latest news and filmography for Michael Keaton, known for Batman and Birdman.
9/10
Release Date
June 23, 1989
Runtime
126 minutes
4/10
Release Date
June 16, 2023
Runtime
144 minutes